Matthew 2

In our exposition of Matthew 2, we focused on two main themes: receiving the King and reacting to the King. The first part of the chapter (verses 1-8) covers the visit of the wise men from the east to Jerusalem after the birth of Jesus and their inquiry about the 'King of the Jews,' which troubled King Herod. The wise men have a history rooted in Eastern mysticism and are contrasted with King Herod, an Edomite with a lineage of corrupt leaders. The wise men's response to Jesus is framed as a quest for worship and obedience, while Herod's response is one of mortal fear and violent suppression.

Further in the chapter (verses 9-23), we look at the divine messages received by Joseph, leading to the flight to Egypt with Mary and Jesus. Just because Joseph had to pick up and rush out of town, he continued to wait on and trust in God's guidance, scriptural fulfilment, and responses to God’s Kingship in his life. Herod's wrath leads to the massacre of infants in Bethlehem. We also explore different parallels between Old and New Testament prophecies, the significance of Jesus' humble origins, and the overarching theme of encounters with Jesus leading to transformative obedience. Through the life and response of Joseph and Herod we see the broader spiritual implications of the chapter, highlighting the difference between obedient faith and selfish rejection of God’s authority in our life.